Enhanced data exchange and presentation/communication system

ABSTRACT

A system for establishing a dedicated internet connection between a user and a marketer is described. The connection is initiated by a customer downloading a framework program for a viewer. Thereafter, as content is communicated to the user, it is included with program code used with the framework program to enhance the presentation capabilities of the viewer. More robust presentations are thus enabled over a one-to-one channel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to the dedicated exchange of electronicmedia between two parties. This media exchange andpresentation/communication system integrates and enhances differenttypes of media before delivering it to the intended party via theInternet.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] As is now known, the Internet provides an extraordinaryopportunity for exchange of information. The largest and most visiblesystem is the use of web sites. People around the world who can accessthe Internet and who have a web browser can access and view informationon almost any topic via a web site. This information can be rich incontent such as text, graphics, photography, audio, video, etc.

[0003] The problem with these web site browsers is they do not allsupport the same rich content. For example, Microsoft MSN does notsupport advanced JAVA script but Netscape does. Therefore, if a web sitehas content using advanced JAVA script, it cannot be seen as intended onan MSN system.

[0004] Another issue with web site browsers, even from the same company,is that they are constantly updated with new features under newversions. Data designed using these new features cannot be seen on olderversions.

[0005] With controlled access sites, data can be sorted and filteredeven down to an individual's personal preference or profile. Again, theinformation comes from a large database that was programmed or posted inthe public system for viewing. The web site is basically filtering anddelivering a subset of that pre-programmed information to theindividual.

[0006] E-mail via the Internet is also a known means of exchanginginformation. E-mail employs a public distribution system designed todeliver information to an individual or group which works very much likethe public postal system. People on an e-mail system can send a messageto almost anyone, if they know or can find out their e-mail address.

[0007] There are numerous e-mail systems available, such as Microsoft®Outlook Express, America Online, Netscape, etc. E-mail is designed todeliver common text messages and attachments within an agreed-uponprotocol. Attachments are typically used to send non-text data torecipients. However, this information can only be viewed if therecipient has the software to open the file format.

[0008] Some e-mail systems are now providing advanced features forsending photographs, voice messages and even HTML content. Most of thetime these more advanced capabilities are difficult to use, and aretherefore, seldomly used. In addition, because these advancedcapabilities are not built by standardized, system-wide protocols, theyare not supported on other e-mail systems. The recipient then sees afile that is reduced back to simple text.

[0009] There is another system supported on the Internet that iscommonly referred to as network conferencing. These systems support adedicated channel between one-to-one nor one-to-many parties via theInternet. In a net conference, parties in different locations canexchange multiple types of data in a real-time environment. They supportvoice exchange, live video, and the ability to view and change commondata that is being displayed on all computer screens involved in theconference. These systems require a strict compatibility of softwarebrand and version on all machines involved in the conference.

[0010] Internet web sites, e-mail and network conferencing systems workwell for their intended use. On Internet web sites and e-mail systems,information is created and formatted and is then posted or sent toeither a targeted or non-targeted audience. Network conferencing systemsare useful for targeted situations and real-time exchange of informationcreated during or before the conference begins. These systems fall shortwhen they try to do each other's functions or work outside theirintended use.

[0011] The present invention addresses many of the shortcomingsexpressed above, especially when users of the traditional systemsattempt to deliver high quality presentations/communications informationover the Internet.

[0012] This invention is designed to encourage the exchange of richmultimedia presentations/communications via a dedicated Internetpipeline between agreeable parties. Information is exclusively exchangedbetween these parties and outside parties cannot input information intothis pipeline without explicit permission. The only exception to thisrule is with a hub computer, which sites in the middle of the pipelineto collect different types of data. It also manages data exchangebetween the parties, combines different types of data, and even enhancesthe data for a richer presentation/communication.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the primary party providinginformation initiates an encounter with another party who would like tocarry on an exchange of information via this dedicated Internetpipeline. In a direct exchange, the primary provides the receiving partywith the software to begin the exclusive exchange of information. Thesoftware can be delivered by giving the person a CD/DVD, a floppy disk,an e-mail with the software attached, a web site location for thedownload, etc. In alternative embodiments, the receiving partysubscribes to the presentation/communication system by initiating anencounter with the primary party after stumbling upon a web site,receiving a direct e-mail, etc. In either embodiment, the receivingparty makes the initial decision to install an executable file onto thecomputer desktop to begin the communication exchange.

[0014] Once the receiving party selects to install the software,regardless of how it was obtained, the executable file performs a numberof initial installation functions. It establishes a dedicated pipelinefor information exchange, enables a scheduling function, and pulls downintroductory information from the Hub.

[0015] First, the executable file loads a customized minimum frameworkfor executing a viewer-type interface into the receiving party'scomputer memory (for example, the hard drive). The executable file alsolocates the receiving party's Internet connection (for example, anAmerica Online connection, MSN connection, LAN connection, etc.) or apre-defined Internet connection. It then links the receiving party'sviewer to the hub via the Internet on a dedicated URL associated withthe Hub.

[0016] In addition to the viewer, an entry (a unique identifier) isautomatically made into a database on the hub that links the two partiesfor exclusive data exchange via this newly established pipeline. Thispipeline will now download an introduction to the receiving party'scomputer. At the same time the primary party is notified that thereceiving party has installed the software and the dedicated pipeline isestablished.

[0017] A scheduling program is then enabled that will later wake up theviewer and perform a two-way data exchange with the hub. All newinformation from the primary party is downloaded at that time, andinformation from the receiving party is uploaded.

[0018] Finally, the executable program creates a desktop icon on thereceiving party's computer. The icon sends an alarm (flashing or audio)to the receiving party anytime new information is downloaded to theircomputer hard disk. Therefore, at any time, the receiving party canclick on the icon and instantly view large, sophisticated and richmultimedia presentations/communications from the hard disk.

[0019] When the program assigns the receiving party a unique identifier,the hub will recognize the identifier and deliver to the party whateverappropriate files are awaiting the party. Any time after the pipeline isestablished, the primary party can interact with the hub to scheduleand/or create information for distribution. The hub will take differentdata types (such as jpg images, sound files, i/o programs, etc.) andcombine them with the display code into a single file that can be viewedon the receiving party's computer. Integrating the different types ofdata and combining them with the display code is done through a numberof different programs called “TransLets” (Translation Applications). Theresulting output file from a TransLet is a “ComLet” (CommunicationApplications) which is downloaded to the receiving party's computer.This information will be transferred to the receiving party's computerautomatically by the scheduler at specified intervals. Two-wayinformation can also be exchanged through the hub by using the scheduleror by directly clicking the transfer icon.

[0020] Although the particular kind of interaction between the partiescan vary widely and remain within the scope of the present invention,the present system in essence establishes a dedicated communication linkbetween the parties using the Internet as a delivery conduit. Thissystem allows for robust multimedia presentations/communications to beenhanced and exchanged.

[0021] As a further aspect of the present invention, the viewer residingon the recipient's desktop, acts as a light framework for the executionof program files that are downloaded from the hub. The viewer can thusbe viewed as a kernel which provides core viewer functions made completeby a program received (ComLet) from the hub. The kernel is thuscompletely unlike a classic Internet browser which receives only contentto be displayed via the established browser protocol. On the other hand,the present viewer kernel becomes a completely different viewer mediadepending on whatever program routines are pulled from the hub to theviewer. This also eliminates any problem with incompatible viewers orout-of-sink (sp? sync) versions because all of the data critical displayinformation is delivered in the ComLet.

[0022] Thus, the present kernel with one routine (ComLet) is acompletely different program than the kernel with a newly sent routine(ComLet). In other words, the kernel acts as a framework by whichprogram routines can be sent from the hub to the user for varied androbust presentation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] These, as well as other objects and advantages of this invention,will be more completely understood and appreciated by careful study ofthe following more detailed description of a presently preferredexemplary embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with theaccompany drawings, of which:

[0024]FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a prior art contentdelivery system;

[0025]FIG. 2 is a content delivery system in accordance with an exampleembodiment of the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an example contentdelivery system in accordance with the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 4 is an example user desktop and viewer in accordance with anexample embodiment of the present invention;

[0028]FIGS. 5 through 7 are example embodiments of a viewer inaccordance with the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 8 is an example embodiment of a mailbox at the subscriberstation in accordance with an example embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0030]FIG. 9 is a user reply screen at the viewer in accordance with anexample embodiment of the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 10 is an example client command center; and

[0032]FIGS. 11 through 14 are client screens within the command centerof, for example, FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0033] The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides adirect link between two parties on a public network, enabling abusiness-to-consumer communication in which the consumer receives veryhigh resolution images and product presentations that he or sherequests, without encountering typical problems associated with theInternet including the receipt of unwanted messages, viruses, etc. Inthe preferred embodiment, a consumer gives initial permission for thepresent invention to be loaded onto the desktop of the user's computer,by for example, running a CD, downloading an Internet file, downloadingan e-mail application, etc. Thereafter, when the user clicks on an iconlocated on the desktop, the user receives very high resolution imagesand product presentations that have been pre-selected for the user by abusiness entity. The present invention provides substantially improvedlevels of communication between businesses and potential/existingcustomers, while giving the consumer the freedom to engage themselves inthe marketing environment at their leisure (as consumers have becomeaccustomed to doing on the Internet).

[0034] The present invention is substantially improved over traditionale-mail systems because it establishes a dedicated link between theconsumer and the business. Traditional e-mail has become a largejunk-mail box, filled with unwanted and many times undesirable messages.Because e-mail is a free service, it is open for anyone to send anythingto anyone else (including viruses). The ability to use e-mail as adialog mechanism between a consumer and a business which have previouslydetermined that they want to engage in business or marketing exercisesis a poor choice due to the saturation of the e-mail environment.Further, e-mail is limited as a medium because it delivers simple textmessages. Although some computer savvy individuals have employed thee-mail environment to produce quality multi-media presentations, thoseusers are constrained by the computer configurations and programversions that exist on their recipient's computers. Generally, in suchcases people use executable files to deliver quality presentationsthrough e-mail, but the files are lengthy, are limited to applications(and application versions) on the computer that can read them,frequently contain viruses and other undesirable material, etc. As aresult, users are understandably apprehensive about opening suche-mails.

[0035] The World Wide Web compensates for many of e-mail's shortcomings.On the web, one can find information on almost any topic, even in theform of impressive multi-media presentations. As with e-mail, however, aperson must have a reasonable knowledge of computer programming and anartistic flare in order to create and deliver an impressive presentationon the web. Although authoring tools exist that make it easier forindividuals to develop web sites, web site building is a skill that theaverage person does not possess. Furthermore, web sites do not lendthemselves to customization for individual consumers, but insteadtransmit information on a one-to-many model.

[0036] The present invention provides a one-to-one dialog that provideshigh quality media presentations to the user via the public network, bututilizes a dedicated channel to provide it. As shown in FIG. 1, theprior art user computer will employ an operating system 6 with a browser4, an Internet connection (IX), a viewer application associated with thebrowser. When the user of the user computer desires content from aserver 2 on the Internet, the browser requests the content file 1 andthe server 2 delivers the content file through the Internet connection 3to the browser of the user computer. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, thecontent file 1 must follow a format that is understandable by thebrowser. That is, the browser 4 provides all of the executable filesnecessary to create a viewing environment for the user, and simply needsthe data content desired to be displayed. Of course, different types ofcontent formats can be viewed at the user computer by installing viewerplug-ins 5 of various application types. Each viewer plug-in is able torender one or more different types of content in particular formats.

[0037] On the other hand, the present invention is a completelydifferent methodology of viewing content from the Internet. As shown inFIG. 2, the computer 10 has a standard operating system 11, a standardInternet connection 14 providing Internet connectivity to the Internet15, and (optionally) a standard browser 13. In accordance with thisexample embodiment, a kernel program 12 provides a base level frameworkfor creating high quality multimedia presentations on the monitorassociated with the computer 10. The kernel itself is not a completeviewer program, but will only be completed when it receives executableprogram code from the hub 16 in accordance with the descriptions thatfollow.

[0038] The hub 16 creates so-called comlets which consist of contentdata together with executable program codes. The comlet 17 is thus muchmore than a simple content package like that shown in FIG. 1 since itcontains not only data for display, but includes a completion of thecode itself needed to create the viewer environment on which the contentwill be displayed.

[0039] Once the comlet 17 is communicated by the hub 16 through theInternet 15 to the computer 10, it is executed in the kernel 12 in orderto create the full viewing multimedia environment on the user monitorassociated with the computer 10. As can be seen in a comparison of FIGS.1 and 2, the computer 10 in accordance with the example embodimentdescribed does not have a viewer resident. This is advantageous becauseeliminating the viewer on the computer eliminates the constraint thatthe content provided must conform with the protocols and formatsunderstandable by the viewer. In the example embodiment, the kernel 12need never understand the format, protocol, etc. of the content of thecomlet 17 because the executable files being delivered with the contentin the comlet 17 will execute on the content data independently of thekernel operations at the computer 10.

[0040] Thus, one can envision the kernel 12 as a core viewerfunctionality (i.e., setting the stage for the creation of a viewer),which core functions are then modified, enhanced, rewritten, etc. asnecessary by the program code in the comlet 17. The comlets 17 that aredownloaded are themselves partial programs (akin to an .EXE file thatmay also require one or more .DLL files which are executable by thecomputer 10 in the context of the framework of the kernel 12. Byanalogy, the kernel 12 is akin to the .DLL file that allows the comlet(.exe) program to run. One can thus see that the capabilities of thecomputer 10 to create the multimedia presentations for the subscriberare no longer constrained by the capabilities of a standard Internetviewer or browser. Since the kernel 12 provides only the framework bywhich the comlet code will be executed, there are no longer any viewercapabilities, file capabilities, etc. which constrain the operation ofthe viewer that is ultimately written by the comlet execution.

[0041] The invention of FIG. 2 thus operates substantially differentlythan the prior art of FIG. 1. In the prior art of FIG. 1, the browserunderstands only a fixed protocol (for example ASCII, HTML, JAVA, etc.)and outside that protocol it will not work. Further, the browser cannotextend itself with new capabilities, but is limited to the capabilitiesprogrammed into it. Of course, one can download a new browser or anupdated browser program into the user computer via the Internet from abrowser provider, but the new browser will suffer the same problems inthat it cannot perform outside of its fixed specifications andcapabilities.

[0042] The general operation of the kernel 12 will now be described. Asshown in FIG. 2, the kernel 12 and appropriate comlets 17 are residenton the hard drive 18 of computer 10. During the installation process,the kernel 12 connects to the Internet 15 (via the Internet connection14), establishes a unique subscriber ID (cookie) from the hub 16, andthen downloads some default “welcome” comlets 17 onto the hard drive 18.It then disconnects from the hub 16 and runs the viewer created byoperation of the kernel 12 in conjunction with one of the downloadedcomlet 17.

[0043] Unlike a traditional browser 4, the present user does not connectto the Internet by invoking the viewer. He simply runs the viewer fromthe hard drive and is able to browse comlets already on the computer.

[0044] New comlets are loaded onto hard drive 18 by one of twooperations. First, the user can explicitly request new content byclicking on an update button contained on the viewer frame. Then, anInternet connection is created if necessary, causing the kernel torequest new content (if any) from the hub. Also, the kernel runs abackground daemon that checks for periods of inactivity, and thenperiodically automatically connects to the hub to see if any new comletsare available for the user. The idea is to not make the user wait, buthave new content preloaded before he sits down at the computer.

[0045] Therefore there are three unique times when the kernel 12connects to the Internet 15: 1) during the installation process toobtain a unique subscriber ID, 2) at the request of a user while he isrunning the viewer, and 3) at the request of the daemon at a predefinedtime to check for new content.

[0046] The viewer created by the kernel 12 in conjunction with any ofthe comlets 17 is commercially and herein referred to as the BeeZipviewer. With the BeeZip viewer of FIG. 2, the kernel 12 is a lightweightframework for the content 17 to express itself by whatever protocols andwhatever instructions are provided in the program code associated withinthe comlet 17. The comlet 17 is thus adding code (executable programs)to the kernel 12, which codes will be routines that the kernel 12 usesto extend its own capabilities beyond that which were otherwiseprogrammed into it. Thus, each comlet 17 not only defines its owncontent, but also the presentation by which the content will berendered. In some instances, the content and viewer program code in thecomlet 17 will be a complete software viewer program in and of itselfsuch that when new comlets 17 are provided by the hub 16, the kernel 12can create a wholly different viewer than was previously rendered.

[0047] The comlets 17 are creative in and of themselves, but they becomeeven more useful within the context of the system of FIG. 3. FIG. 3illustrates a system of three Internet entity types: authors 20 whichwill typically be employees of a publisher (i.e., any business entity orother entity), the hub 16 (see FIG. 2), and the subscriber 22 (who willbe working typically on the user computer 10 of FIG. 2). The BeeZipviewer described previously with respect to FIG. 2 will ultimately existon the subscriber 22 computer. The BeeZip viewer supports a wide varietyof media, including high-quality graphics, photographs, e-mail, music,voice messages, video, interactive programs, etc., all depending solelyupon the type of viewer program code provided in the comlet 17 deliveredby the hub 16. Also, for each publisher, a different kernel might beinstalled on the associated subscribers' computers. The kernels arestored in different folders, and are completely independent of eachother both functionally and conceptually. Each kernel has an embeddedknowledge of the business entity is to communicate with. Although onlyone hub 16 is shown in FIG. 3, many hubs can be employed. Each businesscan operate on different or common hubs. Each business has a UNIQUE urlthat identifies it to whichever hub(s) it is employing. The aspects ofthe viewer on the subscriber 22 computer 10 are shown in greater detail,for example, in FIGS. 5-9.

[0048] A further entity of the system of FIG. 3 is the AuthoringInterface 25, which may be separate as shown in FIG. 3 or may be anapplication resident at the publisher, author 20, or hub 16. The authorinterface coordinates the translation of raw information from theauthors 20 into comlets 17 via appropriate translet routines. Theauthoring facility further includes a control center 26 whichcoordinates the submission and distribution of comlets to/fromappropriate subscribers 22.

[0049] The hub 16 includes a subscriber interface 23 which interactswith the various subscribers 22, usually by the Internet. Although thesubscriber interface 23 communicates with the subscribers 22 typicallythrough a public network, such as the Internet, subscriber interface 23establishes a dedicated communication link with the subscriber 22 as aresult of the unique operation of the example embodiment.

[0050] That operation begins with the subscriber 22 voluntarily electingto create the dedicated connection to an author (actually to the hub 16but from the subscribers' perspective, to the author).

[0051] The installation sequence takes place as follows:

[0052] 1) the kernel copies program files to the hard disk.

[0053] 2) An icon is placed on the desktop.

[0054] 3) A connection to the Internet is established.

[0055] 4) A Unique Subscriber ID is obtained from the hub given from thekernel's embedded URL.

[0056] 5) A set of default comlets (generally “welcome” comlets) aredownloaded to the user's machine.

[0057] 6) The connection is dropped if necessary (like a dialup).

[0058] 7) The connection scheduling daemon is started (invisible to theuser). It is restarted at each boot-up (invisible to the user).

[0059] 8) Upon user selection, the viewer is started and shows thecomlets that are available to browse.

[0060] After the installation, the user should notice that every once ina while (hopefully every day or two), the desktop icon shows that newcontent has arrived. By clicking on the icon, new content is availablefor browsing. The user can also manually check for new content if hesuspects he has new content ready for him.

[0061] The creation of the dedicated channel can be described in anexample such as where a realtor makes a personal contact with apotential homebuyer and thereafter wishes to maintain closecommunication with the prospect within the example system. In such acase, the realtor may hand the subscriber 22 a CD that has an executablefile associated with the example embodiment of the present invention.When the subscriber 22 runs the CD in the computer 10, the computer isinstructed to perform the above-described tasks.

[0062] When the subscriber clicks on the icon, the viewer (from the harddrive kernel and welcome comlets) appears. From the subscriber'sviewpoint, the subscriber has simply clicked on a logo and instantlyentered a viewer environment associated with the entity whose logo wason the subscriber's desktop even though the user does not necessarilyhave an instant/active connection to the Internet. Thus, it appears tothe subscriber that the subscriber has initiated a directbusiness-to-consumer contact between the business entity and thesubscriber. In reality, however, the kernel 12 previously communicatedwith the hub 16, which has made the appropriate identifications of thesubscriber and the publisher/author initiator so as to return theappropriate content to the subscriber 22 in accordance with the logoselected, loaded comlets onto the hard drive and ran the kernel/comletsupon initiation by the subscriber 22.

[0063] This feature is more particularly shown in FIG. 4 where thesubscriber 22 has downloaded to different BeeZip viewer files onto theircomputer 10 corresponding to two different viewer entities (such as,viewer entities #1 and on #2 on FIG. 3). In this case, one icon isassociated with a clothing manufacturer (icon 33) and the other isassociated with a motorcycle dealership (icon 34). When the user clickson icon 33, the kernel/comlets associated with the clothing manufacturerare run from the hard drive appearing to the subscriber as a viewer. Theclothing manufacturer kernel will also from time to time coordinate withthe hub 16 to receive new clothing manufacturer comlets, as directed bythe author 20. When the hub 16 receives a message 35 from the kernelassociated with the clothing manufacturer, it knows the identity of thesubscriber 22, and the identity of the clothing manufacturer associatedwith that kernel. At that time (the viewer may or may not be active),the hub 16 returns all of the comlets 17 in a message 36 to the kernelfor downloading to the hard drive 18. Then, the next time the subscriber22 clicks on icon 33, new clothing manufacturer content/program will beready on the hard drive for execution.

[0064] On the other hand, if the user clicks on the icon 34, the kernelassociated with the motorcycle manufacturer will run the pre-loadedcomlets associated with that manufacturer. Similarly, that kernel willalso send, from time to time, message 37 to the hub 16 (also via theInternet 15) identifying the motorcycle dealer associated with icon 34(as opposed to the clothing manufacturer associated with icon 33) andthe subscriber 22 identity. The hub 16 therefore knows the subscriberand the motorcycle dealer and returns message 38 with appropriatecomlets to created the viewers 30 associated with the motorcyclemanufacturer. The next time the subscriber 22 clicks on icon 34. One cansee that a subscriber may load onto their desktop a number of BeeZipicons which will run substantially different viewers 30, depending onthe particular icon selected. Thus, the viewer 30 may see rich graphicsassociated with a clothing catalog if the user selects the clothing icon33, but may see high quality photographs of motorcycles at a dealershipif the user selects the motorcycle icon 34. Further, the viewer itselfcan be modified to reflect a completely different kind of viewingenvironment tailored to the motorcycle or clothing content presented.The viewer 30 created by the system is thus completely tailored to theparticular content being delivered.

[0065] Returning to FIG. 3, one can see that publisher #1 and publisher#2 can have a number of associated authors 20 that communicate with thesubscriber 22 (and other subscribers as well). Further, each publishercan place an icon on the subscriber 22 desktop 32, provided thesubscriber 22 grants permission for the icon to be placed there (byloading the software via CD, Internet download, etc.). Once the icon isplaced, the subscriber 22, the associated author 20, the publisherassociated with the author 20, etc. are all identified by the hub 16 asdesiring the dedicated channel of communication. The identification ofeach of the entities associated with a particular icon can be embeddedinformation in the URL request initiated by the computer 10 via theInternet connection 14, such as is presently accomplished usingso-called “Cookies.”

[0066] The hub 16 includes an author-side interface 24 to interact witheach of the authors 20 (possibly via an authoring interface 25) and asubscriber side interface to interface with the many subscribers 22.

[0067] The authoring interface 25 allows the authors 20 to custom tailorinformation that will be received by their respective subscribers usingthe screens shown in FIGS. 10-14 and described below. A control enter 26coordinates the receipt of instruction from authors 20, delivery ofcomlets to the data accumulation routine 27, and the creation of comletsfrom raw material received from the authors 20. The Command Center 26may alternatively reside on the hub 16 or on the author computers,although it is conceptually and functionally independent of the hub 16and authors 20. The authoring interface 25 in FIG. 3 also includes avariety of functional routines that assist the client authors increating the robust messages sent to the subscriber 22 in order tocreate the viewers. The authoring interface 25 can translate primitiveinformation (simple text, images, music, etc.) into a final presentationto be seen by the subscriber 22. Ordinarily, client authors have neitherthe time nor the desire to write the program code described above withrespect to the comlets 17. Accordingly, the authoring interface 25translates simple primitive data received from the client author intothe robust final information viewed by the subscriber 22 by convertingthe content received by the client author into the content plusprogrammable code associated with the comlets 17. Standard routines fortaking, for example, text and converting into a robust letterpresentation, are pre-programmed as the various translets 1-n shown inFIG. 3. In one example, the authoring interface 25 takes the primitivedata submitted by the author 20 and lays it into a template that createsa final presentation code that can be employed by the subscriber 22computer 10 to execute the viewer. Using the author interface 25, verylittle work is required of the author 20, except to provide the basecontent to be delivered to the subscriber 22 in the format of the robustpresentation desired.

[0068] The authoring interface 25 is not limited to receipt andtranslation of text or images. In the text example embodiment, an author20 may send raw basic text to the authoring interface 25 for translationinto a robust business letter graphic. But the authoring interface 25 isnot limited to just text type translations. The authoring interface 25permits the author 20 to use music, voiceovers, audio, graphics, text,videos, montages, collages, etc. to present the raw data provided by theauthor 20 in a robust form to the subscriber 22. In each case, theauthoring interface 25 accepts the primitive information from the clientauthor 20 (via the Internet, telephone, etc.) and loads it into atemplate which is then translated into the appropriate program codes toinstruct the kernel 12 to render the viewer.

[0069] A translet does the following:

[0070] 1) Converts raw data into appropriate internal formats and sizes.For example, the user may submit a raw image in .bmp format, and thetranslet may scale, enhance, annotate, and change the image into anotherformat before compiling it into a translet.

[0071] 2) Creates program code in some instances to deal with thevariable input that may be received in the composition phase.

[0072] 3) Compiles the translated raw data, generated program code,template code, and template media into final comlet.

[0073] The command center 26 and Translets can be either web-basedapplications or traditional computer-local applications. The commandcenter 26 may contain some translets, such as the letter comlet translet(because it is so generic). However, other more specialized translets(like a home tour translet) would be more appropriate outside of thecommand center 26 because it is very specialized.

[0074] The hub 16 is responsible, primarily, for accumulating comletsfor delivery to/from the subscriber 22. When the kernel 12 makes a nextconnection to the hub 16. As previously described, connections areinitiated by either the subscriber 22 at the timing desired by thesubscriber 22 or at regular events initiated by the kernel 12. Contentwhich the author 20 has instructed the hub 16 to prepare in anticipationof a next access by the kernel 12 is maintained in the data accumulationentity 27, which accumulates information for the subscriber 22.

[0075] The example system is substantially better than existing datamining systems because, prior to any substantive interaction with thesubscriber 22, the hub 16 learns exactly who the subscriber is andexactly which publisher the subscriber has requested a dialog with. Anew subscriber may even be unaware of which author or authors aregenerating and sending content to him, at least early in the dialog.Likewise, when he generates a reply to the author, he doesn'tnecessarily know which author or authors might receive his reply.

[0076] The data accumulation entity 27, records for the author 20, eachinstance in which the subscriber 22 initiates contact with the publisherassociated with the author 20, the time of such access, the requestsmade by the subscriber, the downloads provided to the subscriber,replies made by the subscriber, etc. This also permits the hub 16 toaccumulate data in the data accumulation entity 27 regarding subscribersthat do not access the viewer entity for a pre-determined period oftime. Thus, a subscriber 22 who loads a realtor's kernel into theircomputer and makes an initial connection to the hub 16 can be directlycontacted by the author 20 if the hub 16 notifies the author 20 that thesubscriber has not communicated with the hub 16 for a period of acertain number of weeks (for example). Thus, the hub 16 is able toaccumulate data both on what the subscriber does, and does not do, inassociation with the hub 16. Further, the hub 16 can automaticallyprovide callups to the authors 20 when the subscriber's owned by thepublisher do not hear from the subscriber. In such cases, an author 20can automatically notify the hub 16 that, after a pre-determined periodof inactivity, the subscriber 22 is to receive a custom graphics viewercontaining a follow-up letter from the author 20.

[0077] In general, because a subscriber may download a kernel from theInternet or obtain it through a mass distribution of CD ROMS, thesubscriber must necessarily initially receive generic welcome contentfrom the publisher. However, if the author meets the subscriber beforethe installation and they agree on a username, then the author canreplace generic content with specific content tailored for thesubscriber by “pre-registering” the subscriber before the subscriberinstalls the kernel.

[0078] Such interaction between the author 20 and the subscriber 22(each operating at their own respective pace) is provided as a result ofthe dedicated channel and robust media presentations enabled by thepresent invention.

[0079] FIGS. 5-9 are example BeeZip viewer screens. As one can see fromjust a cursory review of these examples, the information presented issubstantially more robust than could be provided in an e-mailenvironment. Further, the viewer's shown in FIGS. 5-9 are eachcustomizable to a publisher such that the viewers can be completelydifferent for one publisher versus another publisher, completely withoutregard to the applications (including the kernel 12) that reside on thecomputer 10. FIGS. 5-9 are thus examples to illustrate how the kerneland/or comlets 17 create high resolution messages on a dedicated channelto the subscriber.

[0080]FIGS. 5 and 9 represent screens that are generated within thekernel; while FIGS. 6-8 are generated by comlets. FIG. 5 is part of theinstallation process. FIG. 9 represents the generic reply capabilitybuilt into the viewer. In the examples of FIGS. 6-8, the comlets prettymuch stay within the same framework (the round viewer). Although this isperhaps a prescribed friendly behavior for a comlet, a comlet couldalways break the rules and pretty much draw any presentation that itwants. In a preferred embodiment, the framework (for example,represented by the round viewer) is a default for anykernel/(business/publisher entity). However, this framework could have acompletely different appearance (like a stop sign shaped viewer) for adifferent business/publisher entity. In FIG. 5, an introductory vieweris created when the subscriber first loads the CD, downloads the file,etc., that is has been provided to the subscriber by the publisher orauthor 20 (the business). In the example of FIG. 5, the subscriber hasalready downloaded the kernel, has indicated that it is a new BeeZipsubscriber, and sends that message to the hub 16. In response, the hub16 assigns a unique identifier to the subscriber 22 (since this is thefirst time the subscriber has accessed the hub 16 for this particularviewer entity), records the publisher associated with the subscriber 22software that was just downloaded (via the CD, Internet download, etc.),and returns comlets 17 associated with the particular viewing entity andclient author 20. In the example of FIG. 6, a comlet is being executedfrom the hard drive by the kernel 12. FIG. 6 is an example originalintroductory “response” information from a realtor associated with arealtor organization called D. R. Horton.

[0081] In this example, the realtor, Sue Morgan, is the “author” 20, andthe “publisher” is the employer D. R. Horton. FIG. 6 appeared when thesubscriber clicked on the D. R. Horton icon, causing the kernel to readthe appropriate FIG. 6 comlet that had previously been received by thecomputer 10 and stored in the hard drive. To the subscriber, it appearsthat he has a dedicated communication connection to D. R. Horton via thedesktop icon.

[0082] As one can see in FIG. 6, the information provided in the comlet17 associated with FIG. 6 is substantially more impressive than what canbe provided in an e-mail communication. Thus, the present invention isdramatically unlike e-mail communication even though each providesdedicated addressing to a recipient. In the example embodiment, theprogram code that is travelling with the content in the comlet 17permits the computer 10, in association with the kernel 12, to createbeautiful and impressive multimedia marketing presentations and to do sovia dedicated channel communication between the hub and the subscriber.

[0083]FIG. 7 illustrates an example letter presented to the subscriber22 from the author 20 via a previously downloaded comlet. As previouslydescribed, the information in the letter was first provided to theauthoring interface 25 by the author 20 in simple text format. Theauthoring interface 25 then converted (using a translet) the simple textinto the rich graphics seen in FIG. 7 for delivery as comlets to thesubscriber 22. The next time the subscriber 22 clicked the appropriateicon, the resident kernel ran with the then resident comlet and createdthe viewer shown.

[0084]FIG. 8 is an example viewer which identifies each of the newmessages delivered to the subscriber 22 by the author 20 (sometimesdirectly and sometimes indirectly) since the last time the kernel 12accessed the hub 16. For each of the items in FIG. 8, the subscriber canselect the item and immediately execute the viewer program code of theassociated comlet 17 for the selected messages because the necessaryinformation has already been locally stored at the computer 10.

[0085] In the preferred embodiment, the hub 16 can download all comletsassociated with all of the content that the subscriber 22 has not seensince it last time it was accessed hub 16. Thus, the data accumulator 27can download all of the appropriate comlets associated with all of thedifferent viewers that the subscriber 22 has not yet seen immediatelyupon the subscriber 22 accessing to the hub 16. In such an instance,when the subscriber makes a selection from FIG. 8, the kernel 12 findsthe appropriate comlet from the memory of the computer 10, executes theappropriate program code for the selected comlet 17, imposes the contentdata of the comlet 17, and renders the appropriate viewer as selected.

[0086]FIG. 9 illustrates another example viewer that has been created bythe kernel 12 for the subscriber 22 to record and send a note back tothe associated author 20.

[0087] On the subscriber-side of the hub 16, the subscriber-sideinterface 22 provides information back to the author 20 regarding theactivities of the subscribers that are “owned” by the author (orpublisher). In FIG. 10, a command center homepage provides a report toan author 20 whenever a kernel at author 20 computer periodicallyaccesses the hub 16. First, one can see that the subscribers (who are“clients” to the author 20) are listed by name and ID in the “clientdetail” section. In this section, the author 20 can update and recordinformation regarding the subscribers described. In the next section,the comlets prepared by the particular author 20 are listed by title,ID, etc. Messages recorded by the author 20 to the hub 16 are alsoidentified in the message history section. Finally, a groupparticipation section identifies activity associated with groups ofsubscribers that have been grouped according to the authors'preferences. In FIG. 11, the client command center continues from FIG.10. Here, messages from each of the subscribers 22 are listed for theauthor 20. Thus, the first entry records that a new subscriber “BobCufflink” accessed the hub on Nov. 16, 2005. Repeat subscribers are alsolisted together with the date that they accessed the hub 16. Finally,messages from the various subscribers that have been written directly tothe author 20 are recorded in FIG. 11. The page on FIG. 11 can be usedby the author to select all new subscribers, for example, to deliver anew subscriber welcome viewer (for example, FIG. 6 or FIG. 7).

[0088]FIG. 12 illustrates the list of subscribers associated with theauthor 20 and the list of viewers that are presently available to theauthor for sending to the respective subscribers. Using the page on FIG.12, the author 20 can quickly checkmark various subscribers “owned” bythat author and select comlets to be sent to the respectively selectedsubscribers. Thus, in FIG. 12, the author may select “foo bar”subscriber to receive the “about D. R. Horton . . . Hi Bob” slides. Whenthe author 20 selects “foo bar” and the “slide presentation,” thatcontent (the comlets associated therewith) is loaded into dataaccumulator 27 for delivery to subscriber “foo bar” the next time thatsubscriber's kernel accesses the hub 16. Thus, the subscriber gets theimpression that the author 20 is in a direct one-to-one dialog with thesubscriber, even though the author 20 is actually quickly and easilycreating high resolution marketing products for the subscribers via hub16.

[0089]FIG. 13 continues the subscriber list of FIG. 12 and begins (atthe bottom of FIG. 13) the “groups” of subscribers that have beenarranged according to the preferences of the author 20. The “groups”continue on page 14, with the group identified as “prospects” beinglisted. The “groups” box operates as a typical group selection facilityin which the author 20 can select a larger number of subscribers bysimply clicking the group associated with those subscribers.

[0090] The combination of a dedicated dialog channel between businessand customers, together with the presentation of viewers created by thedelivery of both content and executable code such that marketingpresentations are substantially more robust, has not been presentlyseen. This advantageous combination presents a large number of possibleenvironments for use including the following:

[0091] Daily Shopping

[0092] Companies that offer daily deals found on the Internet admit thatthe biggest problem they have is their customers' reluctance to log oneach day and view the deals. Many have started to implement emailsystems that inform their customers of a deal in which they might beinterested, hoping that the email will not get lost amidst other emailsand will be read before the deal expires. With BeeZip, the authorsprovide a quality presentation of their information through the BeeZipviewer. This would allow the consumer to enjoy high qualitypresentations typically associated with Web page presentations, yetwithout having to log onto the Web, or wade through email.

[0093] Network Shopping

[0094] Internet companies would love to offer their customers theability to purchase their product without having to stay on-line. WithBeeZip, the Internet companies interact with the hub on their scheduleand subscribers interact on their own schedule. Further, BeeZipdownloads all comlets at one time to the subscriber and thereafterreleases the subscriber's computer to execute the comlet code, run thecontent, and thereby render the data, without intervention by theInternet company servers. This further makes the shopping experiencemore pleasant for the customer, resulting in greater goodwill for theInternet company.

[0095] New Home Sales

[0096] Builders and real estate agents can showcase entire lines ofhomes, both ready-to-occupy and projected buildings. Model homes,rendered drawings, and floor plans can be interactively toured. New homesellers typically have a larger budget, so builders and realtors canproduce a glamorous presentation that appeals to a high-dollar market.Individual real estate agents can send newsletters to clients, and cangive personalized updates to customers looking for a specific dreamhome. A mortgage calculator can be another viewer that shows anticipatedmonthly payments.

[0097] Existing Real-estate Sales

[0098] Existing home sales outpace the new home industry by 20 times.Because their inventory line is continuously changing, real estateagents who sell pre-owned homes can take advantage of theauto-composition aspect of BeeZip. They can quickly delete and add tothe listing with their own digital camera, and speedily send newlistings to interested prospects. Video tours and slide shows of thepremises-indoors and out-help customers visualize themselves in thathome. Community services, school districting, covenants, andrestrictions can all be accessed by interested prospects.

[0099] Product Sales

[0100] Business-to-business and business-to-customer relationships canbe strengthened by a personal, secure, private form of communication.Customers can be alerted to new lines and models of products and salesstaff can offer pre-announcement previews without alerting theircompetition. Preferred customer discounts encourage buyer loyalty;interactive ads permit customers to “try on” a product before purchasingand learn more than a paper ad or email allows. Businesses working withdistributors can plan sales promotions and track progress as well ashighlight a products' selling points. Questions about product featurescan be asked with confidentiality and speed.

[0101] Newsletters

[0102] Businesses, organizations and other entities can sendcommunications in multiple formats, customized to the specific needs ofeach recipient. Feedback can be instantaneous; networking and planningcan be shared with selected members.

[0103] Fan Clubs

[0104] A music company could deliver the BeeZip viewer on a music CD.This could be used as a way for the music company or artist tocommunicate directly with their fans. They could send letters, musicclips of soon-to-be-released music, or even full-length music videos.This method also allows the consumer to purchase products associatedwith the artist. Further, sports teams, rock stars, Hollywood actors,pet breeds, and automobiles all have intensely loyal followings. With aBeeZip icon on their desktop, these fans can be the first to learn aboutupcoming appearances, developments, and new products. Distributors willenjoy a higher profit by not having to market fan merchandise throughtraditional retail outlets. Knowing when their favorite team orperformer is coming to town will increase ticket sales. Newsletters canoffer background information unavailable elsewhere. In the case ofperforming musicians, offering the BeeZip viewer on a retail CD willallow the link to be established and continue indefinitely.

[0105] Family Photos and Information

[0106] The miles between family members can feel diminished byestablishing an ongoing family reunion with BEE-Zip. Family genealogyand snapshots of new babies and weddings can be shared; upcoming travelplans can be coordinated and letter-writing can be pipe-lined tomultiple family members.

[0107] Movie Theatres and Video Rentals

[0108] BeeZip can provide clips of coming attractions on the desktop toentice movie fans to the theatres. Automatic video reservations assurethe fans that their desired selection will be available at the videorental store, by responding to the BEE-Zip advertising comlet. Byoffering frequent shopper incentives and printable discounts throughBeeZip, movie buffs have an incentive to keep going back. Cinemadistributors spend millions to advertise their latest features. Offeringa three-minute snippet on a customer's computer desktop is a focusedwelcome presentation.

[0109] Financial Services

[0110] A periodic update from an accountant, a hot tip from the stockbroker, and an alert of upcoming maturity for investments will keepclients in the loop on where their money is going and how to keep moreof it for themselves. Offering strategies aimed at particular customers'needs helps professionals increase loyalty and commissions, yet alsoresults in satisfied clients.

[0111] Restaurants

[0112] Preferred customer discounts and a listing of specialties andpromotions increases traffic through the door. Patrons with foodsensitivities or special needs can contact the chef to ask for specialconsideration or request a list of ingredients before trying a new item.

[0113] Schools

[0114] Teachers can post class assignments or initiate privateconferences with individual parents. School staff can send targetedannouncements to specific families—from sports practice schedules, toacademic competitions, to the availability of tutoring. The school'shandbook and code of conduct can be posted for consultation by parentsand students; cafeteria menus and activity calendars can be sent, andbecause BeeZip is private and confidential, phone numbers and addressescan be shared with recipients. Even the administration and board ofeducation can participate by posting meeting transcripts, newsletters,and contact information.

[0115] Interactive Auctions and Collectibles

[0116] Buyers and sellers can connect to buy, sell and swap with a newlevel of convenience. Seekers can post a query for their desired itemsand be notified when it's put on the auction block. Confidentiality isassured and a high-quality preview of the item for sale is possible withBeeZip. Buyers can examine items for quality and general appropriatenessbefore submitting a bid. Credit card processing and order tracking allowthe entire process to take place in front of a computer screen. Note,however, that BeeZip, because of its offline nature, may not bereal-time enough to be an effective auction bidding system. Although itmay be great for letting people know about stuff that will be displayedon auction. The author or subscriber can also post “desired items” andhave them download without having to actively get on the Internet.

[0117] Market Research and Customer Surveys

[0118] Many Americans participate in opinion polls and market preferenceresearch. BeeZip allows the pollster to select survey candidates thatfit a certain criteria and organize the research question and data.Responding to surveys and research is easier for the individual client.Interactive displays allow a client to experience the product beforeoffering his opinion.

[0119] Non-profits and Political Parties

[0120] Anyone promoting a cause, concern or candidate knows that thebest source of donations is established supporters. Supporters whoinstall BeeZip on the their desktop invite ongoing communication abouttheir favorite projects and will respond with support, donations, andvotes. Political platforms, rallies and fund-raisers can be announcedand targeted to those most likely to respond.

[0121] Medical Services

[0122] The family doctor or dentist, a plastic surgeon and an outpatientsurgery client can all use BeeZip to establish a private dialogue withpatients. Those requiring monitoring of ongoing conditions can filereports from home that are monitored by professionals in the office.Questions on upcoming procedures can be asked in confidence, backgroundinformation on various condition can be obtained, and billing recordscan be accessed. Video presentations can educate patients on conditionsand procedures.

[0123] Lawn Care

[0124] Reviewing landscaping options, scheduling mowing services, andmonitoring weather conditions can be done through BeeZip to streamlineoperations and keep customers informed and happy.

[0125] Rising Stars

[0126] Being able to produce and promote oneself helps a singer, actoror athlete convince agents and executives. Audio and video clips canshowcase skill, and the multi-media personalized presentation formatdemonstrates to potential supporters a sophistication and commitment totechnology. BeeZip provides an updated, superior alternative to sendingin a demo CD or video because it improves the future interaction anddialogue with the prospect.

[0127] Employment Services

[0128] Prospective employers and employ can view photos, resumes,company profiles and salary packages before scheduling an interview. Acompany seeking a particular type of employee needs only to specify thecriteria and the employment agency will BeeZip a file of likelycandidates. Job seekers can hone in on likely companies across thecountry, inquire about policies and compensation, and determine if thefit is likely to be a good one.

[0129] Other Applications/Uses

[0130] The above are just examples of potential uses of the BeeZiptechnology that benefit from combination of the private dialogue withrobust presentations achieved by the present invention. Many, many otherapplications will also be seen and understood by the artisan once theabove description of the present invention is read and understood.

[0131] Example Translet

[0132] Although many different kinds of translets are envisioned withinthe scope of the present invention, one example translet will integratewith both a phone and Palm Pilot type PIMS to create voice annotationfor comlets. The way it will work (from the user's perspective) is givenbelow. The author first creates some type of comlet with a primarytranslet application. The primary translet could create a welcome screencomlet, a letter comlet, business card comlet, collage comlet, etc. Thetranslet presented to the author has a checkbox next to the submitbutton called “add voice annotation.” In a first embodiment, when theauthor presses the submit button, the translet asks the author to recorda message as a voice recorded PIM and place the PIM in a caddy attachedto the authors' computer. The translet then detects the new message,adds it to the comlet, and then sends the comlet to the hub fordistribution.

[0133] In an alternative embodiment, when the author presses the submitbutton, the translet immediately sends a comlet to the hub without anyvoice annotation. When the hub receives the comlet marked for telephoneannotation, it rings the phone number of the author via a voice modembank connected to the hub, and asks the author to record his message.When the author hangs up, the annotation is added to the comlet and thenqueued for distribution.

[0134] While the invention has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodimentsit is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiments but on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A server communicating on a public network with asubscriber and an author, comprising: an author interface routine tointeract with the author via the public network; a subscriber interfaceroutine to interact with a kernel resident at the subscriber via adedicated channel on the public network said kernel establishing a coreviewer routine to render a viewer framework at the subscriber havingpredefined viewer capabilities; a data accumulator to submit content tothe subscriber in accordance instructions received from the client, thecontent including partial executable program codes for execution inassociation with the core viewer routine such the executable programcodes extend the predefined viewer capabilities to new viewercapabilities not previously executable by the core viewer routine; and avoice over routine to create at least part of the executable programcodes by: 1) submitting a voice over request selection to the author; 2)receiving a voice over selection from the author; 3) receiving a voiceover recording from the author; and 4) super imposing the voice overrecording onto the executable program codes submitted.
 2. A computerapplication as in claim 1 wherein the voice over is received via atelephone call to the author initiated by the voice over routine whenthe voice over request selection is received.
 3. A computer applicationused in conjunction with a computer hard drive, comprising: a connectionroutine to automatically establish a public network channel to a networkhub at predefined times, said channel being dedicated to communicationfrom the computer application to the network hub via a public network;and a core viewer routine having predefined viewer capabilities, saidconnection routine receiving from the network hub via the dedicatedchannel partial executable program codes for execution in associationwith the core viewer routine such the executable program codes extendthe predefined viewer capabilities to new viewer capabilities notpreviously executable by the core viewer routine.
 4. A method ofcommunicating from a computer to a network server, comprising the stepsof: linking to a public network; establishing a private channel with thenetwork server on a public network; storing viewer framework code at thecomputer, said viewer framework code being a framework for a viewerprogram resident at the computer; receiving a download from the publicnetwork of executable code including content data; and running theexecutable code in conjunction with the viewer framework code to rendera viewer on a computer monitor including information representing thecontent data.
 5. A method of communicating as in claim 4 wherein thestep of linking includes the step of accessing the Internet via anInternet Service Provider.
 6. A method of communicating as in claim 4wherein the step of establishing includes the steps of: storing apredefined Internet address; initiating a connection to the predefinedInternet address; and communicating a unique user code to the predefinedInternet address.
 7. A method of communicating as in claim 6, after thestep of receiving the download, storing the downloaded executable codeincluding content data at the computer, with the viewer framework code.8. A method of communicating as in claim 4 further including the stepof: initiating the establishing step by user selection.
 9. A method ofcommunicating as in claim 4 wherein the steps of establishing, storing,and receiving, occur automatically at predefined times following thestep of initiating.
 10. A method of communicating as in claim 4 furtherincluding the step of monitoring an operating activity characteristic ofthe computer and initiating the establishing step automatically based ona condition of the operating activity characteristic.
 11. A servercommunicating on a public network with a subscriber and an author,comprising: an author interface routine to interact with the author viathe public network; a subscriber interface routine to interact with thesubscriber via a dedicated channel on the public network; a subscriptionroutine to receive a first request for access by the subscriber and tothereupon write to the subscriber a program 1) establishing parametersfor the dedicated channel, and 2) establishing a core viewer routine torender a viewer at the subscriber having predefined viewer capabilities,and a data accumulation routine to submit content to the subscriber inaccordance instructions received from the author, including partialexecutable program codes for execution in association with the coreviewer routine such the executable program codes extend the predefinedviewer capabilities to new viewer capabilities not previously executableby the core viewer routine.
 12. A server communicating as in claim 11further including an authoring interface that creates the executableprogram codes dynamically based on inputs received from the author. 13.A server communicating as in claim 12 wherein the author interfacefurther receives: template data communicated to the server in a firstdata format; converts at least a portion of the template data from thefirst data format into executable program code; and an author sideinterface communicates the input data to the data accumulator to form atleast part of the executable program code communicated to thesubscriber.
 14. A server communicating as in claim 13 wherein thetemplate data is text based letter information, and the executableprogram code includes code to translate the text based letterinformation into a graphical letter representation of the text baseletter information.
 15. A server communicating as in claim 13 whereinthe template data is photographic data, and the executable program codeincludes code to translate the photographic data into a collagepresentation of the photographic data.
 16. A server communicating as inclaim 13 wherein the subscriber interface further compiles informationfrom the subscriber received on the dedicated channel.
 17. A servercommunicating as in claim 12 wherein the subscriber interface routinefurther compiles information regarding the viewing habits of thesubscriber when interacting with the server.
 18. A server communicatingas in claim 17 wherein the author interface routine further communicatesto the author the viewing habit information for each of a subset ofsubscribers associated with the author, and wherein the author interfaceroutine receives instructions from the author regarding new executableprogram code to communicate to the subscribers based on the communicatedviewing habit information for each of the subset of subscribers.
 19. Aserver communicating as in claim 18 wherein the server furtherautomatically communicates to the author the identity of a subscriber inthe subset of subscribers that has not interacted with the server for apredetermined amount of time.
 20. A server communicating as in claim 18wherein some of the instructions from the author are globally applied toall of the subset of subscribers and some are unique to particularsubscribers in the subset of subscribers, such that the data accumulatorwrites some executable program codes of global application to eachsubscriber in the subset and some other executable program codes tounique ones of the subscribers in the subset.
 21. A server communicatingas in claim 18 wherein the instructions further include instructions towrite different ones of the executable program codes to a particularsubscriber at designated times over a designated period.